This is WHY our Credit Union Exists: #StopLoanSharksWeek
Posted on May 20, 2025Did you know that Penny Post Credit Union (now The Penny Post Group – consisting of Penny Post, Voyager Alliance and Retail CU who merged in 2022) was built from something deeply personal?
Back in 1996, postmen in the Black Country were being relentlessly targeted by loan sharks. Paid weekly and with limited access to fair finance, many found themselves trapped in a cycle of intimidation and extortionate interest rates due to illegal money lending.
This situation sparked action for a group of Royal Mail Employees, led by their Manager, Graham Jones, who is still one of our board members. They came together to form a co-operative — a place where colleagues could borrow safely and affordably, and be encouraged to save which became the foundation of something powerful: The Penny Post Group.
Nearly 30 years later, we’ve grown from a small workplace initiative into a trusted financial co-operative with over 21,000 members across the UK — but our purpose has never changed. We’re here to protect, support, and empower our members. That’s why our roots in this fight still matter today.
Why Stop Loan Sharks Week Matters So Much to Us
Stop Loan Sharks Week is run by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, a government-backed service that investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while offering support to those affected. We’ve proudly worked with them for several years, helping to raise awareness and protect our community from illegal money lending.
This campaign hits close to home for us because it reflects the very reason we were created in the first place. Loan sharks thrive on silence, fear, and shame — but we exist to offer the opposite: fairness, trust, and real support.
Stop Loan Sharks Week shines a light for those who feel stuck in the dark. Reaching out might be scary, but it could be the first step toward freedom and peace of mind.
If You Need Help — We’re With You. In your own time…
No pressure. Support is there when you need it.
If you or someone you know is affected by illegal money lending, here’s where to get confidential help, with no judgement:
Call Stop Loan Sharks 24/7: 0300 555 2222
Text or WhatsApp: 07860 022116
Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk for Live Chat and more options
We’re proud to be part of a movement that puts people before profit — and we’ll always stand up for our members and our community.
If you’re a social media user, help us out by sharing our recent QUICK REMINDER post! It could reach a person in need of support!
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